KD0000
Level 1 (19 points)
Apple TV

Q: Homekit Discussion

Since there isn't a discussion topic for Homekit, how about starting one here under Apple TV since the Apple TV is the supposed HUB for HomeKit.

 

First, lets start off with this statement, which is directly from Apple's HomeKit webpage:

 

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If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later), you can control your accessories with Siri commands when you're away from home.

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Now, I have a few HomeKit devices.  I also have two Apple TV's.  I don't know about anyone else, but my Apple TV boxes sure are NOT functioning as a HomeKit Hub.  Is anyone using an Apple TV (3rd generation) box as their HomeKit Hub?  (I am however using an iPad as HomeKit Hub, however that is off topic for this conversation.)

 

I tried contacting customer support and even they simply couldn't give a straight answer.  Simple question for Apple, DOES or DOES NOT the ATV3 function as HomeKit Hub?  For that matter, is anyone even using the ATV4 as a HomeKit Hub?

 

Automation and "Internet of Things" is definitely the path things are going.  It is unfortunate that Apple is fumbling the ball so early in the game.  It is like they are only dipping their toe in the water.

 

Sidenote: I noticed that the few HomeKit-enabled devices that I have run an httpd on port 80.  I assume communication is through this port (?).  If Apple and third party manufacturers REALLY wanted to get a foothold on this emerging stuff, they'd make this protocol and language open for anyone that wants to use it (especially the end consumers).  For instance, I'm thinking how cool it would be to control devices directly from my home webserver website.  That is just one idea, other consumers will have all sorts of really cool projects.

 

This is just the beginning of what is yet to come (Internet of Things).  I can "see" the end result, but it has taken off with a rocky start.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD

Posted on Aug 9, 2016 11:58 PM

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KD0000

Q: Homekit Discussion

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  • by KD0000,

    KD0000 KD0000 Aug 10, 2016 3:18 PM in response to KD0000
    Level 1 (19 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 10, 2016 3:18 PM in response to KD0000

    It should be noted in my previous message that I have two Apple TV's (3rd Generation).  I implied they were third, but didn't specifically identify them as such.

     

    Anyhow, from Apple's Home application (running on all my iPhones and iPads), my two AppleTV's ARE listed as hubs however they are identified as DISABLED.  Supposedly, enabling them as Hubs is done just by logging into one's iCloud account on the Apple TV box.  I've done this repeatedly and it does NOT enable them.  The only enabled hub listed is my iPad (which is running as a HomeKit Hub).

     

    This is absolutely amazing that Apple is sitting on what WILL be the next multibillion dollar industry (Internet of Things) and they are not embracing it full heartedly.  While this is not the first attempt at home automation devices by industries (I've utilized X.10 protocol devices going back to the 1980's, which simply sent an RF signal over power lines), what makes this completely different and why it will catch on is because it will be wireless TCP/IP embedded SoC's.  Each device, not matter how small, will have it's own IP address.  This is one of the MAJOR reasons for the transition to TCP/IP v6 -- MANY more IPs addresses are going to be requires in the future.  As SoC's become smaller and smaller, the need for IP addresses is going to grow exponentially. 

     

    I just started working on my idea of using a website as a front end to devices.  (I'll just say that Wireshark has been usefull so far in my endeavor.)

     

    A simple guide for Apple TV's role in HomeKit can be found at:

    http://www.howtogeek.com/234180/how-to-enable-remote-access-to-your-homekit-smar t-home-via-apple-tv/